|
Post by hpdegus on Jun 26, 2019 23:35:10 GMT
The Mauraders have started doing something different the past few weeks. When I open their cage doors, they rush to the front like normal, wanting to get out. However, sometimes, when I dont let them jump out, Pads or Moony will bite my finger (gently, but firmly) in the way I've seen them do to reprimand their fellow goos.
Anyone else had this happen? Is this something I should be concerned about? Or just accept? It doesnt hurt at all, which is good!
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on Jun 26, 2019 23:49:10 GMT
It is them trying to boss you around, challenging you for your position. Right now it is mild . . . they are testing the waters. However, the more you don't respond, the more aggressive they are likely to get. I would squeak to let them know, hey, I don't like that. If they try again, either at that moment or the next cage opening, I would squeak and blow in their faces. If they think they are not being told to mind their place in your house, (you being at the top) they could think you are ripe for falling down the ladder of authority, and start to bite harder. I had a degu that did this, and he escalated quickly over about a week, and by the end of that week he drew blood and hit bone, he bit so hard. I didn't recognize what he was up to at that point. He was the dominant in the cage, I was dominant in the HOUSE . . . he figured I should be beneath him. I had to blow in his face, and then tap his nose a few times, as well as shout a loud NO, before he started to take me seriously. In a couple weeks, he was no longer challenging me and never did again. Mind you . . . I knew what I was seeing when it next appeared with a younger degu. LOL! HE didn't get far at all!
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Jun 26, 2019 23:53:58 GMT
Ouch! That's rough! Glad he finally learned to listen to you! And glad you "nipped that in the bud" with the other goo I'll try blowing in their faces. Squeaking doesnt seem to do much, but at least they haven't escalated at all in weeks. I did tap on noses a week or so ago, which did calm things for a bit. I'll just keep enforcing my top goo position!
|
|
|
Post by deguburrow on Jun 6, 2020 9:50:39 GMT
You could try lightly blowing on them if they try to nip you. This is completely harmless and can be is irritating enough to get them to stop.😊
|
|